Mary Lou Weiner
The narrative in the gospel of Luke takes us on an excursion
over the Sea of Galilee to the modest community of Gadara. It was one in a
ten-city confederation called the Decapolis. There is no mention of the smaller
cities in the Bible as they were not prominent in long-term history. This
area of Palestine is now known as the Jordan Valley. Three gospel writers
designate this region as the setting for the story of the demonic man released
from unclean spirits by Jesus. Comparing miracles, this one is not as popular
as the wedding at Cana where water was turned to wine or the feeding of the
multitudes with limited fish and bread supplies. Like all miracles, it is
a surprise and the mystery of Jesus who accomplishes these wonders that still
hold our attention.
The first unexpected event is the demonic man who meets Jesus
on the beach. The man’s recognition of the power of God in Jesus is
his greeting for Jesus. Still, it is a guarded response by the possessed man
who cannot be certain that Jesus will relieve his misery. An uncontrollable
man who lives in solitary because of his malady is not much of a threat to
the swine tenders in the field but the people of the city shun him. The contrast
of the possessed man before and after being released from unclean spirits
was not only a mental change but also a physical change, observed by local
people. Jesus required that the cured man return to his home community (most
likely Gerasa as Luke refers to him as a Gerasene) to tell the people that
God had healed him and given him new health.
The demons also were aware of the power of Jesus and communicated
their preference not to be cast aside in hell to wait until the final judgment
day. Many young children will remember how the demons departed that day: sent
into the swine and drowned because they could not swim. It is possible other
listeners have not progressed beyond this visual concept and continue to hold
it in mind when the gospel is read. The preacher can help the listener understand
the fullness of this miracle and how it relates to our lives today by being
healed and saved from demons present in the world. We can not reject people
because their lives are messy.
Members of the congregation either read the printed gospel lesson
or listen to it being read but often do not relate it to life today. It is
not the casting of the demons into the drowning pigs but the suffering souls
walking our streets that are today’s examples. If we do not acknowledge
those things that entangle lives people will continue to be like the man on
the beach who greeted Jesus. The scene is set in the story if only listeners
will step inside and become part of the image. The need continues today and
can be changed if we take the challenge.
Jesus is recognized by the demonic man as God’s Son, but
he is hesitant that his long-term illness can be relieved permanently. With
God through Jesus, all things are possible with faith and hope in belief.
That also requires trust in God as a basic concept. In spite of the internal
torment of the possessed man, he proclaims his knowledge of the power of God.
His healing is a gift from God for others to ponder in their lives as they
observe the transition. The proof of the Holy Spirit of God is evident in
the miracle.
We are part of that proof in our lives if we will answer the
call from God and assist others to be saved and healed. Our lives are a gift
to us and we own nothing.
We have a responsibility to love one another no matter what
demons possess a child of God. We possess talents, treasure, and grace to
make life better for others who are different. Indifference is a demon that
destroys the will for God’s kingdom to grow in grace and peace. One
step at a time with care and concern the world will begin to change. Our obedience
to God’s love and call to love will change the hurt and need of our
own neighborhood and country. How can we be closed in heart to others in this
world when we see them suffer daily? Is it because we are not standing there
on the beach with Jesus and the possessed man needing to be healed? Jesus
required the healed man to return to his previous home (most likely Gerasa
since he is called a Gerasene in Luke’s gospel) and tell others how
God had cured him. A simple responsorial used at the offering presentation
describes all gifts belong to God and we have no gifts to give but ourselves
in service to God.
(For the full manuscript
of this sermon go to www.preachersmagazine.org and click on “Sermons.”)
This miracle is not a minor mystery with its major healing fulfilled. It extends the breadth and scope of Jesus’ ministry to diverse groups, the underprivileged, and people of various levels of political and social standings. The saved, cured man is our example to live a fully devoted Christian life and extending our gifts to others. Encouraging the short time spent in the pews to be used in our daily lives is a step forward to a closer relationship with God and the growth of the Kingdom. An hour of Sunday inspiration is best when used outside the walls of the worship site during the week with success. To be of God’s world as good stewards of the gifts and life freely given to us is our duty. ?
